When you’re going to be dangling some feet off the ground, it’s all about safety first.

So Chelsie Hinton, the YMCA’s Youth Development Director is helping me out.

Climbers always wear a harness. That’s attached to a rope, which goes up to the ceiling and is hooked back up into another person who is your belayer.

If you’re new to rock climbing, the best bet is to go with the easiest path up the wall. That means choosing a side with the “holds” – that’s what those colorful bumpy things are called – that are as close together as possible.

Grab onto a hold, put one foot on the wall, and slowly make your way upwards.